Travelling with kids can be easy

Pulling off a great family vacation requires a great deal of planning, effort and most importantly, patience. Start with these tips:

Check the validity of your passports (kids' passports come with a much shorter validity period). Many airlines will not let you board the plane if there is not enough extra time on your passport.

Notify your local credit card companies before you leave. lnform them about the country you are visiting and ask for charges beforehand. Cards work differently in foreign countries, some will work at a bank ATM but not at a corner store ATM, others will work in restaurants but not at an ATM. Best to get the details in place.

Make a list of all the things you need to take along and specify that for each kid.

Use a digital camera and keep new batteries on standby. You can buy kiddie cameras for them if they are keen on photography. You'll be amazed at their observations at the end of the trip.

Your hotel may have the provision of a nanny or helper for the kids. You can easily choose to use their services by enquiring before you leave from India.